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Singapore to mandate digital bunker notes by 2025, aiming to save 40,000 man-days and slash fraud risk

Singapore has led the way with its recent announcement that it is in a hunkering move to dominate digital bunkering. Starting April 1, 2025, Singapore will mandate digital bunkering services, requiring all marine fuel suppliers to issue electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs).

This groundbreaking move, announced by Amy Khor, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport, at the SIBCON 2024 conference, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the global maritime fuel industry.

Singapore, the world’s largest bunker hub will be the first port to implement digital bunkering at scale across all bunker operations. The new requirement is part of the country's effort to modernize the bunkering process and improve data sharing between buyers and sellers. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), which is overseeing the transition, has been working closely with industry players to ensure a smooth implementation.

This move by Singapore to digitalize its entire bunkering sector will set a global precedent as it is the largest bunker hub in the world. Singapore handles approximately 50 million tonnes of marine fuel annually. The scale of operations in Singapore makes the digital mandate a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s modernization journey.

Announcing the new progress, Amy Khor, noted that the move is not only about improving efficiency but also about reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leader in maritime innovation. Khor said, “We are confident that this initiative will enhance Singapore’s status as a global maritime hub, while also setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and transparency.”

Singapore’s leadership in digital bunkering may prompt other ports to follow suit. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other global bodies increasingly focused on digitalization and decarbonization, the adoption of electronic systems is seen as a key step toward modernizing the global maritime supply chain.

Marking this landmark decision, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement: “This represents a key milestone to further strengthen the competitiveness and efficiency of bunkering in Singapore.”

Digitalization in the bunkering sector is expected to yield significant benefits. By automating and digitizing processes, the industry will save close to 40,000 man-days annually, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) estimates. This efficiency gain will come from streamlined operations, reduced paperwork, and faster data transfer between parties involved in bunker fuel transactions.

One of the key advantages of electronic bunker delivery notes is the increased transparency they provide. The digital format allows real-time data exchange, which reduces the risk of discrepancies or delays in recording fuel deliveries. As a result, disputes over fuel quality, quantity, and delivery times will be minimized. This will help both buyers and sellers maintain accurate records, fostering trust and improving operational reliability.

Singapore’s mandate for digital bunkering from April 2025 marks a significant step forward for the maritime fuel industry. By embracing digital solutions, the port aims to streamline operations, reduce fraud, and enhance transparency in its vast bunker supply network. As the first port globally to implement such measures at scale, Singapore is setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability in the bunkering process, potentially shaping the future of the global maritime industry.